Eager to answer Sheila Heidmarch’s call for more Varisian Pathfinder agents, your all-Tengu group makes its way to the gate of Heidmarch Manor. It’s been a long journey, and even in cosmopolitan Magnimar, your parade of Tengu has drawn more than its share of stares and pointing children as you made your way through the city.
Snuggled within Magnimar’s elite Alabastar district, the sprawling manor grounds contain Varisia’s first and only official Pathfinder Lodge. From the frilled metal gate, you spy the elegant main manor house, several small cottages, a topiary maze, and a well-tended pond.
At your arrival, the gate guard, a half-elf named Ebrylis, greets you. He blinks once, then twice, then he recollects himself and hurriedly studies his clipboard. “Right then. You must be some of our new recruits. Well, we takes all kinds, so welcome. Name? Any experience or specialities we should know about?”
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"Hello... I am K'kei Hikaru... but for those of you not familiar with Minkaian traditions, Hikaru is my given name, K'kei the name of my clan, so you may call me Hikaru... I am a swordsman of, well.. " His voice lowers and he looks embarrassed for a moment. "well.. small repute so far, but it will grow in time, for I will be a master of the blade someday! One day... in the not too distant future... gods willing, of course." He grins well as a Tengu can... the corners of his face around his beak curling up at the edges.. "My pleasure to meet you all, of course."
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Stali is looking in amazement at what he can see of the manor and grounds from the gate. Suddenly, he realizes that the guard is looking at him expectantly.
"Oh, yes." he chirps nervously.
He straightens himself and looks straight at the guard while addressing him.
"I am Stalî, but you can call me Stali if that is easier for you to pronounce." He nods at the guard as he says this.
"I am here to find out about this Pathfinder organization, and these fine people " he waves he hand to indicate the other Tengu "said this was the place to ask."
That could have been smoother...
"Experience...would working as a scout and guard for a merchant caravan be what you are asking about? I did that a few times, safer to travel that way. I do like traveling and exploring, so that is why I am here!"
He quickly glances towards the others, trying to guess if there is anything more he needs to say. After just a moments hesitation, he steps to the side so that the next person can introduce themselves.
I was expecting to have more time to ask questions before coming here. Should have known, this is much too fancy an area for us to have been headed to an inn.
"Hi. Ka. Ru." Ebrylis carefully writes the name down, syllable by syllable. "Stali." He writes that one down a little faster, then he looks up with interest. "Pleased to meet you both. Swordsmen, eh? I've heard tengu are pretty good with the blade."
He looks around the group. "Are the rest of you warriors, then?"
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After the packing up of the camp and the continuing journey, Andrietta watched over the disparate flock with watchful eyes. In an almost motherly fashion even, fussing every so often if any of them get distracted and clearing her throat to keep them focused on the path.
She also fusses with her armor, her shield, and the katana on her hip every so often, as if still not comfortable with the idea of wearing heavier protection or lethal weaponry.
When the children start to point and stare she's polite and waves to them. They're kids, of course they're going to point.
The adults staring, though, causes her feathers to ruffle slightly, though she doesn't offer comment.
Grandmother, this is not what I expected on this journey. I hope I don't let you down.
When she approaches the guard, she takes out her quarterstaff and bows over it.
"Andrietta Ebonfeather, chosen of Andoletta who is known to some as Grandmother Crow. I am Her will in the flesh, and--" She gets a bit distracted for a moment. "--do you have somewhere Her will in the flesh can dump this pack for a bit? These old bones aren't quite what they used to be and between that and the armor it's chafing a bit."
There's another pause as she plays back what the fellow said about experience and specialties in her mind.
"I'm a grandmother. That should answer the other questions. I promised the children frozen treats if they behaved, is there a place we can get them here in town or do we need to trek all the way back to Absalom for those?"
There's another dead air moment.
"I've helped solve a mystery about royalty in the sewers of Augustana, found some apparently important documents in the Wisp, and have been involved with the on-going issues with the Precipice Quarter and a school there."
She'll step to the side and watch the guard expectantly for an answer about frozen treats, and keep her quarterstaff handy in case anyone's too unruly.
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"Greetings. As my good friend says, I am Gallako of the Tenkarlyion family out of Opara. I have only recently been promoted to the status of field agent, having finished my Confirmation by slaying a Minotaur and then been instrumental in finding some valuable documents from clues found in the basement of the Wounded Whisp.
I am a healer of both people and animals,using means both mundane and magical. I am quite versatile but generally use that versatility to talk with animals who cannot speak. But, if necessary, I can have the spirits grant me a different ability for a day.
I am no swordsman myself. My connections to the crows has manifested in my body and I have quite wicked claws should the need arise. But I prefer to find non violent solutions to problems where possible"
Ebrylis nods solemnly at the crow. “Greetings, great and mighty Vralk.” Having dealt with talking familiars before, he writes Vralk’s name down prominently on the clipboard, followed by Gallako’s name. “Your friend sounds like a useful fellow. I’m usually nice. That’s why Lady Heidmarch puts me out front.”
But when Andrietta speaks, something about her tone commands his attention. His eyes widen and he stands straight at attention. “I’m sorry, Ma’am! Let’s help you and the others get settled. I can get all the rest of your names as we walk. This way, please,” He bows low, and picks up Andrietta’s bags. “Bakrakhan House is the last house on the end. I’m sure you’ll want to unpack, set up your bunks, and so on.” Meanwhile he points out other landmarks, like the training grounds, the greenhouse, and the manor’s kitchen. “I’m sure that the staff there could come up with some frozen treats for your... children." he says this, looking dubiously at General Chak's military bearing, and fake mustache. "Are they all yours?”
“Dinner’s at sunset in the manor’s dining room. Look for me at the gate if you need anything else.” He gently puts down Andrietta’s bags. “Will that be all, ma’am?”
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Creeping forward, not because she chooses to but rather her small frame and slight form don't tend to cause her presence to extend much beyond her person, robes and a cloak conceal her form but anytime she looks up, a celestial fire burns in her eyes.
Her hands and face fleetingly visible, its clear her feathers are a stark white, like the fresh snow after a harsh blizzard has settled.
"I. .don't mean to intrude, please. Um. I'm Sarano. Sarano Snowfeather." shuffling forward a bit more, speaking even quieter as eyes transfix her "I was told to meet here for my next mission, they said maybe I'll work better with my own. . ." Looking around making slight eye-contact with her fellow Tengu's, "with. . with my own kind. ."
Noticing the servants eyes dart and dance about, Sarano becomes even more flustered, knowing they are judging them as outsiders and freaks, pulling her hood farther over her eyes, until blinded when she steps on her robes, flailing and falling over. "Aaaaahhhhhhhh"
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Andrietta will allow the fellow to carry her pack, though she gets no particular mirth or rise out of it. She even makes it a bit lighter by sliding her bow over her shoulder and a dagger onto her belt.
"If I told you 'yes', would that frighten you, Mister Ebrylis? If I told you no, would it change the fact that I'm watching over them?"
The matronly tengu notices the watchful eyes but says nothing until Sarano has an apparent panic attack.
She'll then stop and offer the sorcerer a hand up.
"Child, you need to see where you're going. Pay them no mind. It's no different than if a group of humans walked into a community in Kwanlai. So please, pull back the hood and don't do that again? You might break something."
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Stali's head turns back and forth as he tries to see as much of the estate as he can on the walk to Bakrakhan House. If he notices the stares, they do not seem to bother him. This is sure to be a day of large transitions!
He hesitates when Sarano falls, but Andrietta is already there fussing over her as he is still trying to figure out what to do.
As the group resumes their walk, he comes up next to Gallako and K'Kei to quietly ask them "Are all pathfinder houses so grandiose?"
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To the guard :
"You very polite. I like you. Here, have this"
He then picks off a tiny bead attached to one of his feathers, a bead that costs far less than a copper piece, and holds it out to the guard. It is obvious that Vralk thinks that he is bestowing a great and mighty honour and riches beyond measure.
After the group is led to their house, he flies off to get a, uh, birds eye view of the manor house and grounds
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Gallako watches the guards attitude to Andrietta with some amusement.
After settling into the house, he wanders the grounds for awhile. He is particularly looking for any wandering pets (cats and dogs would be ideal) that he might be able to befriend and chat with. No particular ulterior motive, he has just found that the animals often have a very useful and different perspective on events than their so called masters.
If there is a stable, he'd head in there too.
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After hopefully getting Sarano back upright and settled down a little bit the paladin will give Ebrylis a brief nod.
"If we need anything, we'll let you know. Thank you for the assistance so far. I'll be sure to let Venture Captain Heidmarch know that you've been attentive and focused in your duties. That is all for now."
She has to resist the urge to place a palm over her beak at the antics of some of the party, and instead straightens up a bit.
"Be sure to get cleaned up for the dinner tonight,and if you need nicer clothing we're going to get a modest 'Sunday' outfit for you."
"With your own kind?!" Ebrylis looks profoundly irritated as he turns to Sarano. "Beggin' your pardon, miss, but who said that to you? Was it that bigoted turd, Anders? He always makes comments about how I should wear tights and hang out in trees with elves. He's an ass to everyone. Don't worry, I'll talk to him."
Turning back to Andrietta, he says, "Nope, doesn't matter if they're yours or not, Ma'am. Just refreshing to see families in the Society. We gets a depressing lot of orphans in our ranks, we does."
Ebrylis raises his brows high as Vralk bestows the bead on him, but pockets it with a bow. "Thanks, great and mighty Vralk. I'll treasure it." With a tip of his hat, he nods once more to the rest of you and heads back down the road.
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The quarters are clean and well-maintained. Andrietta is able to arrange for baths, laundry and frozen treats for all the 'children'. Gallako has a lovely time exploring the stables, the aviary and meeting with a number of Pathfinders with far more exotic animal friends. After a lovely dinner, Sheila Heidmarch summons you all to the tea room in the Upper Manor Tower. The room is elegant, as is its occupant, an attractive woman in a tasteful gown and tiara. The marble counter bar displays a variety of silver teapots and percolators, along with clay jars containing teas, coffees, and exotic beverages, as well as a few crystalline flasks of flavored cordials. Glass windows offer sitters a 360-degree view of the entire manor estate.
“Welcome to Varisia, welcome to the city of Magnimar, welcome to the Pathfinder Lodge of Heidmarch Manor, but most importantly, welcome to my home.” Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch greets you in her low, breathy voice, finishing with a warm smile. She pours tea for Andrietta and the General first, following up with all the 'chidren'. She makes certain that even Vralk has a small saucer with a cup and a cookie. "Ebrylis tells me that you just got settled, but he also tells me that you've attracted more than your share of attention. I think what we need to do is send you out in the field. Once you have a mission or two under your belt in Varisia, they'll stop considering you oddities and see you as the Pathfinders you really are. I do have a small matter that's just come up... Maybe it will interest you."
Sheila Heidmarch looks around the room, waiting for someone to speak up. When no one does, she sighs, steepling her fingers together. “A rather interesting carnival, the Umbra Carnival, is making a stop in Ilsurian this upcoming month. It is a rather curious carnival. Most notably, it proclaims to have a baby dragon and a gynosphinx—rather unusual creatures to serve humans in any capacity, much less as carnival attractions.”
“I would like you to go to Ilsurian, make notes on your impressions of the town. I also want you to attend this carnival and find out what you know about both the dragon and the gynosphinx. Oh, and while you’re in town, please stop by the local pawn shop, the Locked Box. My second-best pearl tiara, a true family heirloom, somehow managed to end up in its shop window. Never mind how it got there. Believe me, the team responsible for that mishap is on a much less pleasant task than visiting a carnival and enjoying some fried dough.”
With that, Sheila Heidmarch hands you a pawn shop claim ticket, a set of tickets to the carnival and detailed travel arrangements, including passage with a local caravan heading through Ilsurian and rooms at a local inn. "You'll be leaving first thing in the morning. I'll make sure that the kitchen sets up an early breakfast for all of you. Any questions before you go?"
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"Thank you very much for inviting us into your home. It is an honour that is greatly appreciated.
And may I say how pleasant a home it is, so elegant and so finely appointed. It is nice to be again amongst somebody who appreciates the social niceties.
Speaking for myself, I am yours to command. I'm sure that I'd be quite interested in this small matter"
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Stali gives a brief "Thank you." as he accepts his cup of tea. He takes a sip and settles back to listen to what Sheila Heidmarch has to say.
At the mention of a mission, Stali's eyes light up. He quickly looks about the room. Once Gallako finishes speaking, he asks "Do I get to join them?
What is expected of people on these missions, and how long do they take?"
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"Flock? Where I come from, a gathering of Tengu is called a 'murder'. Anyway, I'm excited and honored that you'd choose us to undertake this mission for you. Not only does it sound interesting to visit a carnivale, but to be trusted to collect a family heirloom for you is a great honor. Thank you for your trust in us. I will do everything in my power to live up to it." Hikaru stands and bows formally, then sits down and sips more tea.
"Thank you kindly for the tea and biscuits... and for the breakfast tomorrow before we leave.. Have you a map we can follow to find this Ilsurian?"
"Yes, Stali, you may join the team. The Pathfinder Society has long been a proponent of training by doing. You'll learn more on a mission than we could ever teach you by lecture. Missions can last for a single day, or they can stretch out for weeks. I don't anticipate that this one will take longer than a few days, but you never know." She takes out a map for Hikaru and points out the route. "The caravan should lead you straight into Ilsurian."
Then Sheila Heidmarch looks thoughtful as she considers Gallako's questions. "I'm not certain that such a large group of tengu can keep a low profile in a small community like Ilsurian. However, with the Umbra Carnival in town, you will be far from the strangest people there. My recommendation is to treat yourself like ambassadors of the Pathfinder Society. If we're going to operate all over Varisia, it's important that the common people accept us. Be gracious, competent, helpful. It really sets a bad precedent when Pathfinders murder an entire town."
Then she gives you all an arch look. "However, it's fine to protect yourselves against brigands, monsters and thugs. As always, use your best judgment."
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As Sheila Heidmarch is giving her briefing, there is a bit of a commotion from outside the room. A frenzied voice is punctuated by an undignified squawk. The doors to the meeting room swing open as a couple of the guards try slow down another tengu that rushed in here like a madman. He's having trouble getting through as one hand is occupied holding onto the fake Fu Manchu mustache that this tengu wears ridiculously on his face.
"I hope I am not too late, tardy, or behind schedule. I'm with them! Sure they remember, recall, and recollect me!"
And how could anyone forget the tengu you'd met briefly with is false mustache and jeonrip. But just in case anyone could have possibly forgotten, he continues.
"It is I the famous, exalted and celebrated tacticial mind, the extraordinary, incredible and phenomenal GENERAL *SQUAWK* CHAK!"
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Accepting a biscuit if there is one available, mumbling softly a thank you before nibbling it.
Listening intently to Sheila's story, "We can probably do that, yeah, it sounds fun," her boldness surprises her, before looking around at her group, she'll shrink back down, murmuring, "I mean. . if you guys want to. ."
Sheila waves off the guards still hanging on to General Chak. "No, no... He's expected." She passes a plate of cookies to the General. "Do sit down."
Allowing the others to recap the mission for the General, she then turns to Stali. "You asked about gynosphinxes. Fascinating creatures. Magical beasts, originally from Osiria, with the bodies of lions, the wings of eagles, and the heads of beautiful and intelligent women. They love riddles and puzzles of all kinds."
While not great scholars in any traditional sense, sphinxes' great appreciation of puzzles leads them to research shallowly in a wide variety of subjects, and they can often be invaluable sources of information, especially when making use of their magical abilities. They are usually happy to barter with other races, and regularly trade material goods for information or new and interesting quandaries. They make excellent guardians for temples, tombs, and other important locations, so long as they are kept adequately entertained. Sphinxes place great value on politeness, but can be dangerously temperamental—while they may decide to share their latest riddles with travelers out of altruism, they think little of devouring those who don't give their dilemmas adequate attention or provide useful insight.
She pauses a moment. "It should be rather interesting to see what you discover when you talk to her."
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"Talk, converse, communicate, this we can all do so I care not who does it, but you said nothing, zero, not a word about not nominating, proposing or putting forth yourself to be the one who will write, jot down and scribe our conversations for later use! Therefore I shall, buy, purchase, and acquire paper, pen, and ink so that I may do so. I guarantee, promise, and assure you that my handwriting is exquisite, elegant and refined like no other!"
Chak laughs loudly, thinking himself so clever.
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Stali starts looking through the papers and comparing the travel arrangements against the map Sheila brought out. After looking it over carefully, he holds out the claim ticket to Andrietta, saying "I suspect you want to hold on to this." I should be able to remember the ticket number, in case I need it. Just in case, I'll write it down once I'm back in my room.
With the carnival tickets, he holds them up and asks "Shall we each hold on to one, or should one person carry all the papers?"
When Gallako proposes choosing a leader, he does not offer any opinions.
Before leaving, he looks at Sheila Heidmarch and says "Thank you for having the patience to answer my questions, and for allowing me this opportunity!" He is very polite, if a bit stiff in the delivery.
Stali checks with Ebrylis before going out to use the training grounds. He spends a fair amount of that time practicing on a balance beam while performing weapon katas. His balance looks much better than his sword work. He does put his weapon to the side while practicing on a trampoline in the yard. He makes sure everything is back in place when he is done.
Once back in his room, he goes through his equipment and makes sure everything is ready to go before retiring for the night. He tucks the slip of paper where he wrote down the claim ticket number into his belt pouch.
Those who rise early see Stali sitting outside his room with his back to the door, evidently in meditation. Just before breakfast is ready, he rises and collects his things. He then joins the others for breakfast. Should any check his room, they would find the bed neatly made.
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"Silly bird... having your familiar nominate you is like having yourself nominate you and you said you didn't want anyone to nominate themselves... So that said, who might be best to talk to humans... I think Grandmother might be best, she seems the most diplomatic. I like her."
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"Thank you for your hospitality, Venture-Captain. It's a very nice change from blankets and pack along the side of the road." Her tone is polite and respectful, but with that hint of wily curmudgeon sneaking in the wilds of the back of it. She will wait until everyone else has tea before sipping quietly and respectfully, listening to some of the discussion as the 'kids' offer insight and questions.
After a few moments of focused interest involving the Carnival and the situation, the comment about family heirloom jewelry gets a bit of a squint.
"How far away is this community of Ilsurian? And do we know anything about wht kind of dragon it is?"
Andrietta will take the tickets sagely and with little comment.
The old bird is up at the crack of dawn, and appears well-rested and eager to get on the road, going around to each of the bunks to make sure the rest of the party is up and ready to go.
In true traveling tengu grandmother fashion, for breakfast she'll be careful to not load up too much but also snag a few food-stuffs for extra travel-rations for the first meal or two 'on the road'.
The grandmother's feathers ruffle a bit as Gallako brings up the dreaded 'hold an election' words. "While your heart's in the right place, kiddo, experience has proven that the one you might expect to be the best talker for a given situation isn't always the one that is. Rather than tying ourselves down with a whole bunch of roles that might break down faster than a bad gnomish contraption, let's focus on working together and making this work as a family, then?"
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Chak's eyes grow wide and quiver a bit as the tickets are held up by Stali.
"When the tickets are held up, Chak's eyes go wide. [b]"WHAT?! Tickets, documents, and other papers where handed out, distributed and presented, and... and I missed them? I WAS too late!"
Chak gives perhaps one of the most pitiful looks ever seen on a tengu's face.
Chak purchases the writing materials as promised. He was eager to begin recording their conversations with the people of the carnival.
Sheila Heidmarch shakes her head at Andrietta. "No, we know almost nothing about the baby dragon. We've just heard stories that this carnival has one on hand, along with the usual blather about occult mysteries and untold wonders. I have no idea when reading this reports what's fact and what's fiction. I do hope all of you stay alert and tell me which is which."
She raises an eyebrow. "Also, if you can give me some observations on the town itself, that would be appreciated. I haven't had operatives I trust through there yet, and would appreciate any information you can find."
You leave first thing in the morning, making good time. Working with caravans is old hat for some of you, and caravaners tend to be a diverse and tolerant lot so long as you can pull your weight. After a bit of curiosity about your group, they welcome having extra guards, scouts and magical assistance. You have good weather, and plenty of opportunity to talk with the merchants and guards along the road about both the town of Ilsurian and the upcoming Umbra Carnival.
“A traveling carnival? Beware my friend! These things are just a front for criminal activity. The games are rigged, the sideshows are farcical and the food is filthy. Sure the women are comely, but their welcome smiles and scant costumes are a distraction for the menfolk to cut your purse. My cousin got lured behind a wagon by a likely wench and got his head cracked open for his trouble. Blasted dancers! Now he’s dumb and broke. Trust me, keep your distance!”
“Traveling carnivals are wicked fun! Even if you don’t have much coin, there’s always something to see. Harrowers, savage beasts, all manner of freaks and the dancing ladies—oh my! The smell of perfume, roasting meat and pipeweed makes me delightfully dizzy. There’s usually a good fight to watch, too. My uncle told me about this time he won 10 gold Sails wrestling Khoshut the Backbreaker, an exiled Shoanti warchief. I only wish they came more often.”
The Umbra Carnival is one of the many traveling shows that circulate around Varisian towns and cities providing entertainment in exchange for a bit of coin. Some believe these troupes are a front for Sczarni crime families who fleece as many locals as they can before hitting the road ahead of an angry mob. They feature freakshows, games of skill and chance, a menagerie of exotic or dangerous creatures, acrobats, musicians and fortune-tellers. The workers are often all part of an extended family, but there are always a few collected castoffs of society.
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Andrietta will 'adopt' the caravan, too, fussing over everyone and generally being a grandmother, unless folks insist on privacy or 'doing things by themselves'.
The tengu is a bit stumped on what the town is like. Hopefully someone has a better idea than her.
"Well, kids, the good news is that the Carnival is sort of like a tengu community on a bigger scale. That means I don't have to tell you to watch your step and be careful, right? Well, do it anyway, because we don't want anyone getting hurt and we come together for family, you hear?"
"They've been together for about ten years, so they're probably kind of close. Don't go picking fights and be respectful whenever possible."
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Chak's eyes grow wide and quiver a bit as the tickets are held up by Stali.
When the tickets are held up, Chak's eyes go wide. "WHAT?! Tickets, documents, and other papers where handed out, distributed and presented, and... and I missed them? I WAS too late!"
Chak gives perhaps one of the most pitiful looks ever seen on a tengu's face.
Seeing his reaction, Stali pushes the carnival tickets and travel documents over to Chak. "Keep them safe and in proper order!" Good, someone who likes paperwork!
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Like a Tengu community? I wonder what that means...
Stali does not seem to have anything to add to the information Andrietta provides.
Your caravan arrives in the small fishing town of Ilsurian mid-morning, and you see evidence of the Umbra Carnival and its workers everywhere. The Umbra Carnival Caravan has newly arrived, beating you into town by a few hours. A small contingent of carnival workers wanders the town, picking up supplies and plastering posters declaring The Umbra Carnival: Wonders, Amusements and Attractions: Opening Tonight! and a long list of events.
Friends, we bring the wonders of the world to you! Get your fortune told by the gynosphinx, Jherizhana! Test your strength on the Lion’s Head! See the Flying Panotti! Test your powers of perception against the lovely Madame Masque!
Townspeople crowd around the posters, gawk at the colorfully-dressed carnival workers and likewise rush around in the excitement. A small set of shops and stalls, some owned by locals wanting to cash in on the festival atmosphere, have started setting up in the Winding Market next to the carnival grounds. A few savvy souls are already selling foods, potions, and trinkets to the crowd.
“Fried fish! Apples! Nut breads!” A fat woman calls from her stall, a line of people already forming.
“Robella’s potions, notions and curiosities! Impress your friends! Woo your lovers!” A woman with short hair and sharp eyes calls out to you.
“Pretty lady!” One stall owner, a charming man with an elegantly waxed mustache holds an array of colorful silk scarves. He wraps a midnight blue one over Sarano’s shoulders. “This would set up your lovely plumage beautifully! Look how lovely you look! Only 2 silver!”
In an outer field, the rest of the workers set up a number of tents. Each colorful canvas that goes up adds to the excitement and a group of children soon start wandering the fairground. Soon after a number of adults join in, including an elderly couple who shut their fishmarket for the evening, a dark-skinned man in full plate who watches the animal cages be unloaded, and the sheriff of the town asking a few questions of a man with ears that fall nearly to his ankle. The circus performers talk among themselves in Varisian and snippets of their conversations are audible.
“Dear, ask that man to please move. He’s right where the dragon cage needs to go.”
“I wish these rubes had more to do with their time than watch us work.”
“Townies. Why do they always go straight for the panotti? As if that freak has anything sensible to say.”
“Aram, don’t look now, but there’s a whole lot of birds walking through! You think they’re here to audition for Almara? I wonder what kind of act they’re running.”
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If a creature with a beak could smile, then Chak would be grinning from ear to ear as he is handed the papers.
Chak began to write what he knew in his notes...
Chak begins to wander around, talking to everyone who seems like they are not too busy to oblige him or who is willing to endure his banter even if they are. He asks their name, if they work for the carnival or not and what sort of stories they had being that this was his first time in Ilsurian, which he will invariable interrupt with some similar (at least in his mind) story of his own, generally preferring the sound of his own voice to theirs.
Once people have stopped talking to him he'll look for something to eat. A general's mind needs constant nourishment.
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*Nostalgia*
It's not so much a thought by itself but a general feeling and remembrance for Andrietta as she watches over 'her' flock warily, remembering Kwanlai and how colorful it was back years ago. Then there is glancing over at the mustachio'd fellow who is accosting Sarano.
"Sir, the kid's had a long rough journey and while your offer to help her improve her wardrobe is a very nice one, I don't think she's quite ready to handle that. If you've a nice red one, though, I'd be interested in talking purchase for myself? Though... only five copper, though, if your prices are flexible."
Never take the first price offered.
The grandmother watches the action and glances towards town 'proper'. "Maybe we should handle that other business first, before attending the carnival, kids. That way we don't have that hanging over our heads? It also gives these good people a chance to work un-bothered by a bunch of staring folks?"
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Quiet for most of the journey, Sarano takes in the sights and sounds that her new companions, dare she think, friends have to offer.
Head over heels at the carnivale, she is a bit taken aback by the sheer sound and commotion such a place has to offer.
Mumbling softly to her companions, "Lets be careful to not get too separated. . I don't want to become an attraction here. . "
She'll walk around, trying to make pleasant conversation with some towns folk, all while trying not to fall, or fumble or sweat too profusely.
"Are you guys excited for the carnivale? We are from Magnimar, we are excited to see the attractions,"
However it seems despite her best and honest attempts to talk with the local humans, her mumbling only gets worse and worse as people continue ignoring her, before she just bows her head and slinks back to the group, mumbling on last time, "I tried. . "
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"Hikaru, don't wander off now, stick with the rest of the team, okay? "
While she waits for a word from the scarf vendor, she'll watch Sarano worriedly.
"Sara, dear, don't stray too far now."
When she comes back dejected the grandmother shakes her head vigorously.
"Don't slouch, dear, it'll curve your spine and make you look odd. Stand up straight and keep your beak level with the ground. Not up in the air, not aimed at the ground. It was good of you to try, but that's just the first step.
You have to keep trying, but it's also good to take a break, too."
Grandmother, what can I do to help her? How can I get her to break out of this shell?
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"I was talking to the big driver in the rear wagon. The ugly one that everybody was ignoring. He was raised in Ilsurian and knew a whole lot about the place.
Nothing too fascinating to add. A trading town established by Chelaxians, who view Varisians as they usually see us Tengus. They say them as thieves, charlatans, rogues. Sound familiar?
The town is independent right now"
Arriving at the carnival, Gallako definitely makes a beeline for any strange animals that he hasn't seen before. He makes absolutely no attempt to stay with the group at this point
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Andrietta's tone is gentle, and understanding.
"It's better to focus on things one at a time than try to do a whole bunch of things at the same time and do them all really badly, dear. In crowded places like this it's easy for a pickpocket to take advantage of your distraction and then where would you be?"
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Stali watches the crowd for a few minutes.
Seeing how excited K'Kei is by all the activity, he approaches him while Andrietta is talking to the scarf merchant. Discretely pointing towards a few of the circus crew, he quietly mentions "I believe the dragon will be on display over there. Do try to stay out of the way as they set up the cage."
Stali then approaches General Chak and asks for one of the circus tickets. Once he has his claws on one, he wanders over to investigate the stalls in the Winding Market. He is interested in seeing what wares other than food are available, and determine which merchants appear to be overcharging for their merchandise.